Newshour

Iranian foreign minister Arras Araghchi is in Islamabad today to discuss peace between his country and the US. Donald Trump’s foreign policy advisors Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are travelling to Pakistan’s capital later to do the same. The Iranian foreign ministry, however, has said no direct talks with the US are planned. The BBC’s Pakistan correspondent gives us the latest.
Also in the programme: Explosions and gunfire in Mali as armed groups launch coordinated attacks; and the late Monty Python star Terry Jones is set to be commemorated with a statue in his Welsh birthplace.
(Photo: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, 17th February 2026. Credit: Reuters/Pierre Albouy TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

The White House says President Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son in law, Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran.
Also on the programme, from inside Russia, a look at the Kremlin's tightening grip on the internet; and, Ringo Starr on his new country album.
(Photo: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Peace Missions listen as Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via REUTERS)

A leaked Pentagon email reportedly outlines options to punish allies over a perceived lack of support for the Iran war. The email also suggested reviewing the US position on the UK's claim to the Falklands islands in the south Atlantic, which are also claimed by Argentina. We get reaction from Spain.
Also on the programme: representatives from dozens of countries are gathering in Colombia to discuss moving away from fossil fuels; and as the ceasefire in Lebanon is extended for another three weeks, we talk to one family who've just returned to their flat in Beirut.
(Credit: Reuters)

President Trump gives an interview to the BBC's North America correspondent, Sarah Smith, on a range of issues including NATO, the Royal visit to the US and relations with the UK. Speaking earlier, he also issued a 'shoot to kill' to any boat laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. We examine how much mine sweeping is happening in the shipping channel.
Also in the programme: Britain strikes a new deal with France to stop illegal migrants from crossing the English Channel; and we find out about the lipstick effect during tough financial times.
(Photo: US President Trump speaks to reporters ahead Davos, Washington, USA - 20 Jan 2026: Credit EPA/Shutterstock )

Lebanon's Prime Minister Joseph Aoun has accused Israel of war crimes after Israeli air strikes killed one journalist and wounded another in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. The strike killed Amal Khalil, who worked for a Lebanese newspaper, and injured freelance photographer Zeinab Faraj - we speak to a colleague who knew Amal well.
Also on the programme: a South African court blocks the repatriation of the remains of Zambia's former president, Edgar Lungu, halting fresh plans for a state funeral; and we speak to the mother of a little girl who's had her vision almost entirely restored after pioneering gene therapy treatment.
(Photo: Journalists gathered in silence at Martyrs' Square to remember Khalil. Credit: Reuters)